Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the experience of patients/individuals with multiple pathologies in relation to the care they receive, and the experience of the professionals involved. DESIGN: Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. LOCATION: Conducted in the Basque Country (Osakidetza) between September 2023 and March 2024. PARTICIPANTS: Included 12 patients and 19 professionals. METHOD: In-depth interviews were conducted with patients and focus groups with primary care and hospital professionals. Theoretical-intentional sampling was carried out, seeking maximum heterogeneity of profiles both in patients (gender, age, hospital admissions, etc.) and in professionals (medicine, nursing, years of experience, etc.). Qualitative content analysis was carried out using the constant comparison method with the Atlas-ti program. RESULTS: The content analysis yielded eight cross-cutting categories (556 citations) that reflect key elements for advancing towards person-centered care, such as longitudinal care, a comprehensive, humanistic and individualized approach; accessibility; coordination and teamwork; time management in primary care; key social support for care management; coping with comorbidity and a complex therapeutic plan; and professional training and skills development. CONCLUSIONS: The person-centered care model seeks to incorporate patients' perceptions of their health. This study emphasizes the integration of processes, social resources, education and patient empowerment. It highlights the need for a professional reference, ensuring accessibility, incorporating social support and shared decision-making, emphasizing continuous training and the use of skills in the health system as a key to its incorporation into practice.